Mudejar is a term used to describe Muslims or Moriscos who remained in Spain after the Reconquista. The spelling of "mudejar" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet as: /muˈðexaɾ/. The "mu-" syllable is pronounced like the English word "moo", while the "-dejar" ending is pronounced with a "ð" sound like the "th" in "they" followed by an "e" like in "set", and an "a" like in "car". The stress falls on the second syllable, making it sound like "moo-DEH-har".
Mudejar is an adjective and noun that refers to a historical and cultural term primarily used in the Iberian Peninsula during the Middle Ages. The term originated from the Arabic word "mudajjan," which means "allowed to remain." Mudejar is often associated with the Islamic influence on the architecture, art, and culture of the Christian territories that were under Muslim rule.
As an architectural style, Mudejar represents the unique blend of Islamic and Christian elements. It is characterized by its ornate decorations adorned with geometric patterns, calligraphy, and stylized floral motifs. The Mudejar style is particularly evident in the construction of churches, palaces, and fortresses, showcasing the artistic exchange between the two cultures.
The Mudejar people were Muslims who continued to live in Christian territories after the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. They were granted a special status known as "mudejarismo," which allowed them to practice their religion and retain many aspects of their cultural identity while adapting to the dominant Christian society. Mudejar settlements became cultural melting pots where Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions merged to create a distinctive and syncretic society.
In conclusion, Mudejar represents the architectural style and cultural identity of Muslims living in Christian territories during the Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula. It symbolizes the coexistence and fusion of Islamic and Christian influences, resulting in a unique artistic and cultural heritage.
The word "mudejar" derives from the Arabic term "mudajjan", meaning "one who is allowed to remain". It originated during the period of Muslim rule in the Iberian Peninsula (711-1492) when Muslims, known as Moors, coexisted with the Christian and Jewish populations living under their control. The term "mudejar" referred to Muslims who continued to reside in these territories after they had been conquered by Christian kingdoms. These individuals were allowed to practice their religion and maintain their social, cultural, and architectural traditions under Christian rule. As a result, the word "mudejar" came to signify the unique architectural and artistic style that emerged as a blend of Islamic and Christian influences during this period.